Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingra Sparkman.
Hi Ingra , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thirty-one years ago, a woman had a dream to help her community. She believed that everyone — no matter their background or income — deserved a safe and decent place to live. Her compassion became Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity, a local movement, an affiliate of Habitat International was built on faith, compassion, and the power of people working together.
What began as one woman’s vision quickly became a community movement, uniting volunteers, donors, and families together to build homes and hope across the Golden Crescent region.
Every home tells a story of determination and partnership. Families invest their partnership hours working side by side with neighbors and volunteers to build their own homes. With affordable mortgages and financial education, they gain strength, stability, and self-reliance.
Over the last 31 years, hundreds of families have turned their dreams of homeownership into reality in the Golden Crescent region.
It’s really incredible to think Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity which now serves not only Victoria but five other counties surrounding it, started with just one person’s willingness to help their neighbor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every day, we meet families who work hard, do everything right, and still can’t keep up. Rising housing costs and a strained economy have created what we call the “missing middle” — families who earn too much to qualify for help, yet not enough to afford the rent that keeps climbing higher each year.
They’re the teachers who guide our children, the medical assistants who care for our loved ones, the clerks and cashiers who greet us with a smile. Yet many are living paycheck to paycheck, one rent increase away from losing their home.
At Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity, we see them. We build with them. Together, we’re creating affordable homes and a brighter future — because no one who works hard for their community should be priced out of living in it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As Advancement Director at Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity, I have the privilege of connecting people to a mission that changes lives. Every day, I get to create fundraisers, plan events, and find new ways to engage our community — all with the goal of building safe, affordable homes for families who need them most.
I love sharing the story of Habitat with anyone who will listen, helping people see how their time, talent, and donations make a real difference. Whether I’m meeting with local businesses, talking with the community, or hosting an event, my focus is on bringing the community together around a common purpose.
For me, this work is about more than homes. It’s about hope, stability, and showing families that they are valued. And every time a family steps into their new home, I’m reminded why connecting people to this mission matters so much.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
This is such a great question!
What makes me happiest is bringing people together to make a difference.
I love creating experiences — fundraisers AND “friend”raisers— that inspire connection, generosity, and action! I’m especially grateful for the staff at GCHFH.
We each have incredible compassions and talents and being able to brainstorm and execute events as a team is incredible.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing families step into their new homes, knowing we played a part in making that possible.
Sharing the story of Habitat and showing others how they can help fills me with joy, and empowering families, volunteers, and donors to realize the impact they can have is truly what drives me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goldencrescenthabitat.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenCrescentHabitatForHumanity
